The idea of a film being able to trigger any of our other senses is fundamentally absurd, and yet there are countless moments in cinema when we really can almost touch, taste, and smell what’s happening on-screen.
Few films, however, have really explored the power of scent, especially in regards to perfume. Perfumes are part of our daily lives, enriching the world and the people around us with pleasant aromas that can trigger all kinds of emotions, like smells in film.
Sorry to Bother You is easily one of the strangest films you’re likely to see at theaters this year. It’s truly a bizarre mix of multiple genres (including science-fiction and comedy) that somehow ends up being something completely of its own making awakening all kind of emotions and feels. Admittedly, it rambles and not every diversion seems planned or pans out in a typical manner. Still, the movie is so unique that one can’t help but appreciate it for whatever it may be.
The plot follows young Cassius Green (Lakeith Stanfield), an Oakland resident struggling to make ends meet and living in his uncle’s garage. Upset that he and his artist girlfriend Detroit (Tessa Thompson) aren’t progressing in life, Cassius takes a low-paying job at a telemarketing firm. After getting helpful advice from a co-worker (Danny Glover), the protagonist finds the odd key to success at the company. He’s soon promoted to the position of Power Seller, but finds his newfound financial success having a negative impact on his personal life and relationships. As he climbs the corporate ladder, he’s introduced to a wealthy executive client named Steve Lift (Armie Hammer). What follows defies description.
This comedy has a completely unique voice and tone unlike anything witnessed in quite a while. Thankfully, as strange as it is, a great deal of the material is funny. Cassius’ experiences at his new job are surreal and a strange technique employed (which features some unexpected voice over talent) generates plenty of laughs. There’s also some interesting camerawork as the camera literally drops the protagonist into the homes of the people he is cold-calling. Additionally, the effectively energetic music helps tremendously, creating a fun and energetic, yet unsettling vibe.
Of course, the movie has plenty of deeper themes to wrestle with as well. As Cassius sells out, he’s forced into some incredibly awkward situations. And even though he is admired by his client Lift, he is humiliated and forced into some awful situations by the executive so that he can ingratiate himself. There’s an interesting running gag involving a wound on the hero’s forehead that just won’t heal; Detroit offers some insight as to why and the effects of his actions at the corporation. And, as mentioned previously, things take an incredible turn during the final act. It’s exaggerated and beyond strange, but results in more surreal commentary on the attitudes among persons of power. A conversation between Cassius and Lift is one of the craziest, funniest and most disturbing things this reviewer has witnessed in some time.
Admittedly, things aren’t perfect. The story rambles in sections and as the lead becomes more and more attached to his new corporate lifestyle, there’s a bit of repetition present as he leaves his girlfriend and associates by the wayside. Additionally, this is a low-budget film and as such the climax seems a bit more rushed and abbreviated than it probably should be; in fact, it relegates Cassius to little more than an observer during the finale. That may have been the point, but one feels as though there were some budgetary considerations in excluding him from conflict.
However, these are minor critiques and this reviewer certainly can’t say that he was ever able to predict what was coming next or where exactly the story was going. Sorry to Bother You is one of the oddest films to arrive in some time and although it likely isn’t for everyone, movies like this are a complete rarity. There’s a lot going on here and one viewing may not be enough to get a full grasp of what’s happening. At a time when you can predict the outcome of most movies within the opening ten minutes, a feature like this is remarkable. If you like your movies weird, give it a shot.
SORRY TO BOTHER YOU is Bizarre, Funny and Fascinating
The idea of a film being able to trigger any of our other senses is fundamentally absurd, and yet there are countless moments in cinema when we really can almost touch, taste, and smell what’s happening on-screen.
Few films, however, have really explored the power of scent, especially in regards to perfume. Perfumes are part of our daily lives, enriching the world and the people around us with pleasant aromas that can trigger all kinds of emotions, like smells in film.
Sorry to Bother You is easily one of the strangest films you’re likely to see at theaters this year. It’s truly a bizarre mix of multiple genres (including science-fiction and comedy) that somehow ends up being something completely of its own making awakening all kind of emotions and feels. Admittedly, it rambles and not every diversion seems planned or pans out in a typical manner. Still, the movie is so unique that one can’t help but appreciate it for whatever it may be.
This comedy has a completely unique voice and tone unlike anything witnessed in quite a while. Thankfully, as strange as it is, a great deal of the material is funny. Cassius’ experiences at his new job are surreal and a strange technique employed (which features some unexpected voice over talent) generates plenty of laughs. There’s also some interesting camerawork as the camera literally drops the protagonist into the homes of the people he is cold-calling. Additionally, the effectively energetic music helps tremendously, creating a fun and energetic, yet unsettling vibe.
However, these are minor critiques and this reviewer certainly can’t say that he was ever able to predict what was coming next or where exactly the story was going. Sorry to Bother You is one of the oddest films to arrive in some time and although it likely isn’t for everyone, movies like this are a complete rarity. There’s a lot going on here and one viewing may not be enough to get a full grasp of what’s happening. At a time when you can predict the outcome of most movies within the opening ten minutes, a feature like this is remarkable. If you like your movies weird, give it a shot.